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We knew that CFMoto 450SR is coming to Malaysia awhile back but we just received confirmation from CFMoto Malaysia that the motorcycle is set for launch on October 22. 

  • The highly anticipated CFMoto 450SR is set to debut in Malaysia.
  • Features a peppy 449cc parallel-twin with 270-degree crankshaft, good for 50HP and 39Nm.

According to latest confirmation by CFMoto Malaysia, the CFMoto 450SR will make its debut ahead of the 2022 Malaysia MotoGP. 

CFMoto gains worldwide attention especially in Asia and Europe with their impressive range of motorcycles including the CL700, NK650, and the 650GT.

The brand is known for bringing bike bike to the budget-conscious market including the quarter litre sportbike, the 250SR.

However, CFMoto is about to expand the SR range with the all-new 450SR.

First caught our attention as a concept at EICMA 2021, the upcoming 450cc sportbike is CFMoto latest attempt to attract the small capacity motorcycle segment. 

Despite lacking some premium features from the SR-C21 concept bike, the CFMOTO 450SR still looks sharp and beautifully built, with an aesthetics reminiscent of a race bikes. 

Powering the 450SR is a 450cc parallel-twin DOHC engine with 270-degree crank capable of pumping 50hp @ 9,500rpm and 39Nm @ 7,600rpm with a compression ratio of 11.1:5.

Power is delivered to the rear wheel via a final chain drive mated to a six-speed transmission.

Other notable features include a 5-inch TFT curved instrument display with smartphone connectivity and USB charging port.

Hero MotoCorp introduced the limited run XPulse 200 4V Rally Edition back in July 2022 and the bike was very well received by the Indian public. 

  • The Hero XPulse 200 4V Rally Edition is inspired by the firm’s rally machine. 
  • The XPulse 200 4V Rally gets revised suspension. 

The motorcycle was sold out in less than four days after the official launch, much to the dismay of off-road aficionados. 

However, due to the immense request for the motorcycle, Hero MotoCorp decided to reopens bookings for the XPulse Rally Edition. 

The Hero XPulse 200 4V Rally Edition is a special motorcycle as it is fitted by all the necessities to make it a proper off-road machine. 

It features a long-travel suspension, dual-purpose tires and a special livery inspired by the firm’s rally machine.

First glance, you’ll notice the combination of white and red colourway to match the livery of Hero MotoSports Team Rally.

While some manufacturers tends to slap a new graphics and livery and called it a “new” edition, Hero MotoCorp dive deep to bring something new to the XPulse 200 4V Rally Edition.

Firstly, the bike’s suspension has undergone major modification, the Rally Edition features full-adjustable front fork with 250mm of wheel travel and a 10-step adjustable rear shock with 220mm wheel travel.

Also, the ground clearance is now 50mm higher and the seat now sits at 885mm compared to 825mm on the base XPulse 200. The Rally Edition also features taller handelbar, longer gear change lever and a longer side stand.

The best part is, the Rally Edition weighs just 160kgs, just 2 kilograms more than the base model.

Mechanically, the XPulse 200 4V Rally Edition gets the same 200cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine but equipped with an oil cooler. It produces the same 19hp and 16.4Nm.

The Swappable Batteries Motorcycle Consortium (SBMC) has expanded from its first four founding members to 21 in just a year after its establishment in September 2021.

  • SBMC welcomes 17 new members to support the initiative.
  • Kymco and Kawasaki among listed as new members of the SBMC. 

 The consortium was originally founded by Yamaha, KTM, Honda and Piaggio which is equivalent to Iron Man, Thor, Hulk and Captain America founding the Avengers. 

While it took many years for the Avengers to expand, SBMC only took a year to add 17 other members.

 “The underlying aim of the Consortium is to find solutions to the concerns customers may have regarding the future of electromobility, such as the range, the charging time and infrastructure, and costs,” said SBMC. 

According to the official statement, those members include motorcycle manufacturers, tech companies, and others that work in similar fields.

The list of SBC members includes:

  • AVL
  • Ciklo
  • Fivebikes
  • Foresee Power
  • Hioki
  • Honda
  • Hyba
  • Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association
  • Kawasaki
  • KTM
  • Kymco
  • Niu
  • Piaggio
  • Polaris
  • Roki
  • Samsung SDI
  • Sinbon
  • Sumitomo
  • Suzuki
  • Swobbee
  • Vitesco
  • VeNetWork
  • Yamaha

As reported previously, SBMC aims to standardise battery specifications while also improving the charging infrastructure.

KTM AG announced a new distribution deal with MV Agusta, which will see the Austrian firm assist with distributing the Italian company’s motorcycles.

  • KTM AG signs a multi-year deal with MV Agusta to distribute the Schiranna motorcycles in North America.
  • Selected KTM dealership will sell MV Agusta motorcycles in North America. 

According to the official statement, the multi-year partnership will see KTM AG – the subsidiary of PIERER Mobility AG – distribute and promote MV Agusta’s motorcycle range in North America and Mexico. 

To achieve this, KTM AG will set up a dedicated US-based legal entity that will take charge of all the Italian company operations in North America.

That said, MV Agusta motorcycles can still be purchased from the Italian brand’s existing dealers and new ones but also selected KTM dealerships. 

In addition, KTM AG will also set up a company based in the United States dedicated to MV Agusta operations in North America.

The deal is part of MV Agusta’s strategic plan to achieve significant growth in the coming years. 

“I am particularly pleased with this agreement signed between two historic European motorcycle companies. 

“I am sure that KTM’s impeccable and widespread sales organization, combined with the very strong appeal that our brand has always exercised overseas, will bring great satisfaction to both, creating synergies that will allow us to best implement our growth strategy in the North America market,” said MV Agusta CEO, Timur Sardarov.

Meanwhile, Hubert Trunkenpolz, a Member of the Executive Board at KTM AG, also expressed his excitement over the new partnership.

“We are extremely excited to start a new partnership with such a historic motorcycle brand. 

“Our brands are going from strength to strength everywhere in the world, particularly in North America, where we will exceed 100,000-unit sales in 2022 with the KTM, Husqvarna and GASGAS motorcycle brands. 

“Taking on the distribution of the MV Agusta brand will complement our extensive premium motorcycle range.  

“With the addition of the most iconic Italian luxury motorcycle brand to our KTM North America operations, we are able to ensure support to all North American motorcycle enthusiasts as well as bringing exciting new business opportunities to existing and new dealers,” he said.

MV Agusta CEO, Timur Sardarov, has announced that MV Agusta Malaysia Sdn Bhd – a subsidiary of AFY Mobility Sdn Bhd – is officially appointed as the sole and exclusive distributor of MV Agusta motorcycles and parts in the country.

  • The 9.5 makes 121hp @ 10,000rpm and 102Nm @ 7,000rpm.
  • to feature a 7-inch TFT dash with smartphone connectivity.
  • quickshifter, slide control, and cornering ABS comes as standard.
*MV Agusta CEO, Timur Sardarov

More importantly, MV Agusta motorcycles will be locally-assembled in Glenmarie, Kuala Lumpur.

That said, the highly anticipated MV Agusta Lucky Explorer 9.5 could be among the bikes listed to be assembled in the country. 

The Lucky Explorer 9.5 is MV Agusta’s first attempt to take on the adventure bike territory. 

Complete with a 21-inch front wheel and off-road focused suspension and frame, MV Agusta is scheduled to launch the Lucky Explorer 9.5 sometime in 2023.

The motorcycle is currently still in its prototype stages, but some reputable media recently tested the new adventure bike in Europe.

The Lucky Explorer 9.5 faces a list of strong contenders in the middleweight ADV category, including the KTM 890 Adventure, Triumph Tiger 900 range and the newly launched Ducati DesertX.

Although the 9.5 is MV’s first attempt in the ADV segment, CycleWorld – one of a few able to try out the prototype mule – claimed that the motorcycle has genuine touring and off-road potential.

The 9.5 features an all-new 931cc inline-triple engine derived from the 800cc platform taken from the F3 and Brutale. However, MV made several modifications, including a new cylinder head, piston and valve train.

As a result, the inline-triple makes 121.4hp @ 10,000rpm and 102Nm @ 7,000rpm. That said, the 2023 Lucky Explorer 9.5 is set to out grunt the DesertX, 890 Adventure and Triumph’s Tiger 900.

Other notable features include:

  • Fully-adjustable Sachs suspension.
  • 20L fuel tank.
  • Bridgestone A41 tyres .
  • 7-inch TFT dash with Bluetooth connectivity
  • Brembo brakes

Meanwhile, the Lucky Explorer 9.5 is also fitted with a host of electronics:

  • cruise control (standard).
  • quickshifter
  • switchable cornering ABS.
  • four riding modes; Urban/Touring/Off-Road/Custom.
  • six-Axis IMU
  • eight-stage slide control/traction control
  • front-wheel lift control

For those who wonder about the price, rest assured MV Agusta is keeping it a secret until its official launch date later this year. 

More importantly, if the bike is locally assembled, we should expect a competitive price point. 

It’s official, MV Agusta officially returns to Malaysia with MV Agusta Malaysia Sdn Bhd appointed as the sole and exclusive of MV Agusta motorcycle, parts, merchandise and special parts in Malaysia.

  • MV Agusta to be distributed and locally assembled in Malaysia by MV Agusta Malaysia Sdn Bhd.
  • MV Agusta Malaysia Sdn Bhd is the subsidiary of AFY Mobility Sdn Bhd. 

The announcement was made by none other than MV Agusta CEO, Timur Sardarov. 

“I am particularly thrilled about this new, important partnership marking the consolidation and the expansion of the MV Agusta presence in one of the most dynamic economies in SouthEast Asia.

“The CKD assembly solutions found with our partners will boost our competitiveness in the region, in line with our global expansion strategy. 

“I wish the newly born MV Agusta Malaysia every success,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, MV Agusta Malaysia Sdn Bhd is a newly formed company that is a subsidiary of AFY Mobility Sdn Bhd (AMI).

As mentioned by Sardarov, all MV Agusta motorcycles will be completely assembled at the AMI assembly and training facility in Glenmarie, Shah Alam. 

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